Setting a new precedent in appointment of secretaries

Probably this is the first time that serving Union Secretaries have been appointed as OSDs before taking over the charge from outgoing secretaries.

Usually, Special Secretaries are appointed as OSDs so that a smooth transition may be ensured.

On 23 November 2016, as many as 19 secretaries were appointed and laterally shifted to several departments and ministries. But two serving secretaries Anoop Kumar Srivastava (IAS:1981:AM) and Ameising Luikham (IAS:1981:MN) were appointed as OSDs in the Ministry of Tribal Development and Ministry of Minority Affairs respectively.

Though the appointment of successors to some critical positions like Cabinet Secretary and Home Secretary is normal, the appointment of serving secretaries as OSDs is considered unusual. But the NaMo administration is known for setting new precedents.